Mosaic Mondays
Mondays
6 – 8 PM
Semilla Center for
Healing and the Arts
2742 15th Ave S
Free
Does non-directed community creativity bring you joy, strength, relief – or any other soul-lifting benefit? Then you should know about Semilla Open Studio Mondays. This weekly open studio welcomes everyone to work in community company on mosaics or linocut prints (materials and basic instruction provided) or on a personal project from home. Check the Semilla Center facebook page for details and occasional schedule changes for the upcoming week!
You Belong Here Cash Mobs
Wednesdays
4-7 PM
Lake Street
Spend what you can
Federal actions in Minnesota are attempting to break communities through violence, division, and economic pressure. We cannot let that happen. If you are in a position to spend, join neighbors for Cash Mobs to gather as a community and support small businesses that need us. Check visitlakestreet.com/youbelonghere for the dates and locations of upcoming Cash Mobs!
In Plain Sight
Creating Change Gallery
April 2, 4, 10 and 11
Noon – 4
2929 Chicago Avenue
Suite 100
Featuring the work of Atlas of Blackness’ Documenting MN journalism fellow Precious Murray, In Plain Sight explores the St Paul intersection of Dale St and University on a human scale. Though black and white photography and ambient soundscapes, Murray’s work is deeply concerned with documenting and ethically representing unhoused and under-resourced black Minnesotans living in and around transit hubs. For additional viewings by appointment, see article on page 11.
Mayday 2026
Parade and Ceremony Sunday, May 3
Builds and rehearsals throughout April
Semilla Center,
Powderhorn Park and other locations
Free
Mayday Minneapolis is now a decentralized community-run celebration encompassing the beloved annual Mayday Parade, a Tree of Life Ceremony, and a Community Festival. Free drop-in workshops will be held throughout April for anyone who wants to help build puppets for the parade and ceremony; there are also opportunities to participate in the parade and ceremony! Visit maydaympls.org for workshop schedules and location details.
Circle of Water: Puppetry as an Agent of Change
Through Fall 2026
Hennepin History Museum
2303 3rd Avenue S
Pay as you can
In 1983, thirty people and two dogs travelled down the Mississippi River to spread a message about the importance of water. Their performances explored the history of the Mississippi River, combining the entertainment of the circus, the pageantry of puppetry, and the call to action. Circle of Water: Puppetry As An Agent of Change, pays tribute to this unique example of artistic activism, showcasing puppets alongside footage of the original show, and presenting the experiences and perspectives of the performers. For visitor information, visit hennepinhistory.org.
Winston: A Woman’s Fight for Freedom in
Minnesota
Through October 2027
Hennepin History
Museum
2303 3rd Avenue S
Pay what you can
This exhibit tells the story of Eliza Winston, the first and only enslaved person to successfully fight for their freedom in a Minnesota courtroom. Featuring artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection, it is based on the scholarship of co-curator Dr. Christopher P. Lehman and features a newly commissioned artwork depicting Eliza. For visitor information, visit hennepinhistory.org.
Decorate Påskris
(Easter Switches) with Kari Tauring
Saturday, April 4
10 – 11:30 AM
Norway House
913 E Franklin Avenue
$7.40 – Children 7-12
$23.88 – Adults
Christians in southern climates traditionally use palm tree fronds to adorn their Easter celebrations but in the north, where green leaves are not available in early spring, some cultures use woody shoots instead. In this class, participants will learn about the Nordic Easter tradition of påskris, decorated pussy willow switches, while making their own unique version of one. Learn more about the class and get tickets at norwayhouse.org/event-calendar/decorate-pskris-easter-switches-with-kari-tauring.
Better Things 5×5
Reading and Open Mic
Tuesday, April 7
7 PM
Moon Palace Books
3032 Minnehaha Avenue
Free
Better Things March 5X5 reading features 5 fantastic writers: Sagirah Shahid, Suzanne Locke, Isavela Lopez, Ben Westlie, and Nick Metcalf. A community open mic hosted by Davi Gray and Erin Sharkey will follow, and ASL interpretation will be featured for the entire event. Please note that masks are required at Moon Palace Books. To learn more about this month’s readers, visit reentrylab.org/better-things.
Meet at Mia: Art in Motion with Threads Dance
April 9
5 – 9 PM
Minneapolis Art Institute
2400 3rd Avenue S
Free
At this Meet at Mia event, South Minneapolis’ own Threads Dance Project will perform in Mia’s Regis Court. Afterwards, participants will be invited to create a unique artwork that taps into your own sense of movement, and DelSur Empanadas food truck will also be on hand if you feel like a bite! Meet at Mia is an ongoing series of free Thursday evening events for adults. Learn more at artsmia.org/event/meet-at-mia.
Puppet Lab Festival of New Work
April 10 – 19
Open Eye Theatre
506 E 24th Street
$15 – $18
Puppet Lab is a 2-week festival of imaginative and visually dazzling new puppet work, the culmination of a 6-month development residency for emerging puppetry artists. This year’s residency program is led by Co-Artistic Directors Oanh Vu and Sofia Padilla. For tickets and more information, visit openeyetheatre.org/puppet-lab-festival.
Somali Weaving Workshops
April 11 and 14
2 – 4 PM
Somali Museum
2925 Chicago Avenue
Greenway Basement (ground) Level
Free
Learn traditional weaving techniques used to create intricate and vibrant artworks with no tools other than your own hands! While practicing the technique, participants will hear stories and experiences that shape this beautiful craft from the Somali Museum’s Weaving Instructors. Check the Somali Museum facebook page or contact the museum at info@somalimuseum.org or (612) 886-3723 for more information.
Somali Dance Workshops
April 11 and 18
5 – 7 PM
Somali Museum
2925 Chicago Avenue
Greenway Basement (ground) Level
Free
Experience the beauty of Somali performance and learn various Somali dances and their cultural significance from knowledgeable instructors with a deep understanding of Somali cultural dance. Find out more about each class at somalimuseum.org/events. Note that capacity is limited due to space, so arrive early if you can. Questions? Contact info@somalimuseum.org, or call (612) 886-3723.
Peavey Park
Neighborhood Day
Saturday, April 18
11 AM – 2 PM
Peavey Park
730 22nd Street E
Free
Come celebrate our neighborhood at this year’s Peavey Park Neighborhood Day event! Connect with neighbors and unwind while enjoying delicious food and comfortable seating under the covered pavilion, or unleash your creativity with art-making activities for all ages. Everyone is welcome!
Book Launch & Concert: It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect
April 30
7 PM
Open Eye Theatre
506 East 24th Street
$16.50
Gaelynn Lea—folk musician, Broadway composer, and disability advocate will give a musical performance and discuss her new memoir, It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect. She will be joined in conversation by Matthew Sanford, who is a nationally recognized author and pioneer in adapting yoga for people with disabilities.
Open Eye Theatre is wheelchair accessible, and ASL interpretation will be provided. Get tickets at openeyetheatre.org/book-launch-concert-gaelynn-lea.
Introduction to Orienteering
Saturday, May 2
10:30 - 12 PM
Norway House
913 E Franklin Avenue
$5 (free for 8 and under)
Want to learn more about orienteering, the sport of navigating with only a map and compass? This class will provide an introduction and get you started with basic skills, including map reading and compass navigation, approaches to decision making and strategy, and information on how to find orienteering events. The class is appropriate for anyone ages 6 and up! Register at norwayhouse.org/event-calendar/introduction-to-orienteering.
Somali Tales & Family Night
Saturday, May 2
3 – 7 PM
Somali Museum
2925 Chicago Avenue
Greenway Basement
Free
Bring your kids to the Somali Museum for a special family night, which will include a vibrant and engaging storytelling session designed to spark the imaginations of young explorers! Questions? Contact info@somalimuseum.org, or call (612) 886-3723.
